Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has put his full weight behind police community support officers (PCSOs) and has asked the Constabulary to go ahead with recruitment.

Over the next few months, the Constabulary aims to recruit 80 PCSOs.

Commissioner, David Lloyd, said: “I believe that Hertfordshire’s PCSOs do a superb job. They are the first port of call for people who are experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour or non-serious crime, or those who just want some friendly police advice. Our PCSOs are out and about every day in every neighbourhood across the county – their faces are well-known and they are trusted in their communities.

“I’ve met a lot of PCSOs and they all tell me it’s a great job with immense satisfaction. They feel they are really making a difference to communities and people’s lives.”

The Commissioner is focused on putting resources where they matter most – on the frontline, and he believes that PCSOs, bolstering the frontline of regular police officers, are essential to keep up the Constabulary’s year-on-year crime reductions and to continue cutting the number of anti-social behaviour incidents, which have fallen by over 27% in the past year.

The Commissioner added: “The Constabulary’s continued success is, in part, due to its commitment to valuing PCSOs and ensuring they are well-trained, well-equipped and with sufficient powers to deal with community issues, such as dangerous parking and street drinking.

“I have asked the Chief Constable, Andy Bliss, to start recruiting for 80 new PCSOs. This will fill gaps left by some PCSOs who have left, many of whom have gone on to become regular police officers. I urge people of all ages to consider applying for the role. If you want a rewarding job – this really is the one for you.”

Deputy Chief Constable Alison Roome-Gifford said: “We value our PCSOs and fully appreciate the Police and Crime Commissioner’s endorsement. We are keen to find high calibre people to join us and help to keep Hertfordshire a safe and pleasant place to live. It’s not an easy job to be a PCSO but, for the right person, is highly rewarding.”

To be a PCSO you must be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, as well as having the ability to solve problems whilst thinking on your feet. You must also have the desire to make a difference to people's lives.

The force is specifically looking to fill posts in the south west of the county (Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere, Dacorum), however others locations are available.

You must have a full current driving licence and you will be required to work a rotating shift pattern to cover a 40 hour week, including working some weekends and evenings to 11pm. Successful candidates must pass a fitness test as PCSOs are expected to be on active patrol (on foot or bicycle) for their eight hours shifts.

If you are interesting in becoming a PCSO please visit www.hertspolicecareers.co.uk or PCSO careers.